BMW 5-Series (2010 and older) Luxury
BMW 5-Series (2010 and older) Luxury
[Feb 19, 2005]
bmwowner
Model Reviewed:
530iA
Strength:
The whole car is strenght. The grip, the quietness, the acceleration, the stopping, the 50/50 weight distribution, the classy appearance inside the cabin and muscular elegant lines on the body. The extra wide 17 inch wheels, the angel lights
Weakness:
I find it a little difficult to get out of the driver seat since it is the M/Sport model and it is indeed a bucket. A compass would be nice. Exhilirating driving experience that never fails to put a smile on my face. If you know cars or if you have owned different car makes in the past such as, Honda, Toyota, GM, Nissan, etc, you would immediately recognize high quality the instant you shut the door of your BMW. As you sit in the "Cockpit", you feel so isolated from the outside world. You look around and there is everything you need to DRIVE, NOT Feast with your friends along with your 230 personal belongings, that's why the car has minimal storage space and practically no cup holders. Yes the engineers who designed that machine knew how to design a $20 dollar cup holder, but I can sincerely say that I dispise the fact that a drink should interrupt my driving experience, let alone the coffee and soda spills that it may leave behind. On to the meat and potatoes, the engine of this vehicle growls when pushed, even at hight speeds, the steptronic M/S will suit your driving style even if Michael Schumacher himself drove it. The bumps on the road suddenly dissipate. This car does indeed have a soul, yes, you do actually feel that it understands you, not in a creepy way but in a precise adaptive way, it starts to adjust to your style, from seats to steering wheel, to mirrors to heat control to transmission agression to rear view mirror adjustment, etc...Now who wouldn't like to be understood?? The highway ride is sliky smooth, the night visibility is awsome, headlights are bright, and the car is so stable you actually feel like you're on a disney monorail. On city streets, it cries for attention, and it is true that some drivers do get agitated or even maybe intimidated by it. The braking is very responsive, the stereo (on mine anyways M sport) is crisp and clear with a lot of bass. The seat are extremely comfortable but not the cadillac feather type, I love em. The butt warmers are a bliss especially up north. The steering is firm, and some may consider it stiff, but you can adjust. Acceleration is phenomenal, It sure feels like a lot more than 225 horses, maybe it is, who knows, wink wink. As far as quality goes, I am not expecting much to break on the car but i've been told that repairs are somewhat costly, not something I'm not prepared for. It always goes back to the saying "Pay me now, or pay me later" A BMW was not even a consideration when I was looking, but man o man, as soon as I drove it, I transformed into a hyper active Juan Pablo Montoya, honestly. This car begs you to push it and exhibit your driving skills. It does correct your little driving imperfections and turns you into a young wild person again. If you perfer to coast it and glide through the city street, it also lets you. Yes I do take the long way home now, I do take advantage of every opportunity to drive anywhere, and I stare at the car several times a day. I have had nice cars before and they were not much cheaper than a BMW but as for driving experience, they don't come close. If you're sitting on the edge, wondering whether to buy a BMW or another brand, I can tell you this, GO DRIVE A BMW and the decision will be made for you. Similar Products Used: Nissan, Honda, Chev, Lexus, Acura |
[Jan 11, 2005]
34dude
Model Reviewed:
540i
Strength:
Acceleration, handling, road feel, engineering. It's like a quiet, comfortable sports car. The best car I have had in 45 years of driving.
Weakness:
There are no weaknesses I have found in the design or assembly of the car. Problems I have had include failures of a seat switch, fuel gage transmitter, engine idler pulley, camshaft sensor, LED display in the instrument panel, A/C temperature controller. Most are electrical, a known problem area for BMW's. Almost all of the failures have been covered by warranty. 145,000 mile report. I bought the car used with 36,000 miles on it. It has truly been a great car and wonder if I'll find a replacement that I really like. Engineering is the best ever and the car does everything right. I test drove a new 745i and didn't like it as well as my old 540. The car hasn't been trouble free but none are. Repairs and maintenance are a bit pricey and some are even ridiculous - like $42 for the two rubber strips in the windshield wiper refill! The car performs and drives as well as it did with 36,000 miles on it and looks like it will still be a good car at 200,000 miles. Similar Products Used: Infiniti Q45 |
[Nov 24, 2004]
treetops
Model Reviewed:
BMW 525i
Strength:
Comfortable driving position, good ergonomics, great handling. Gas mileage is amazing, I'm getting 20 MPG as an average! On the highway I can get almost 30 MPG.
Weakness:
Cup holders, could use more back seat legroom. This car is a great value for the money. Smooth engine, tight suspension and great gas mileage. I drove a '99 528 for 4 year and really liked it. I've had this car since June '03 and I've put 16K miles on it and haven't had any problems. Similar Products Used: 1999 BMW 528i, Lexus E300, Acura Legend |
[May 28, 2004]
fable
Model Reviewed:
540iA
Strength:
Smooth 'n' silent ride, fuel consumption, enormous power and accelleration, solid construction, seems to be built for the next 30 years, strong brakes, ovarall high maximum speed, easy to handle at every speed, easy to park
Weakness:
Locked at 250 km/h, would at least run 275 maximum without blocking , i will let remove that chip one day... My third BMW. After having driven a bald variety of vehicles, I can summarize that over a long time the only car which makes sense is a BMW. It's design will never fade. Lots of people still think what a valuable car that is. Similar Products Used: '95 730iA E38, '86 324dA E30, '89 325i E30, '89 MB 260SE, '90 Opel Senator CD 24V, '89 Toyota Camry 2.5 V6, '91 Opel Omega CD |
[Jan 10, 2004]
reliability
Model Reviewed:
BMW 525i
Strength:
Appearance and performance. For a 2.5 l engine and a comfortable 5 passenger sedan, it handles and accelerates suprisingly well. Durable leather interior. Shows vitually no wear.
Weakness:
Since I coummute only 4 miles to work, I have only put 5,000 miles on the car. Yet in those 5k miles, the following repairs were necessary. All of the costs include labor and materials. 1. power window motor/regulator - $156 2. carrier bearing - $300 3. water pump - $230 4. ignition switch - $150 5. one double lock-down incident (I was locked in the car), if you have never heard of this, ask BMW. - $0 no cost Having paid only $7,000, with 99,000 miles in 2002, I feel like it's been fairly good choice. The car had been well maintained and was (and still is in outstanding condition). The car has a timeless look of class. Though it is an older body style, it still looks like a high value car vehicle. Similar Products Used: 99 318i,90 525,89 325ix, 92 ES 300, 87 Legend |
[Jan 02, 2004]
Joel Hoffman
Model Reviewed:
528i
Strength:
Good looks. Engine. Great torque at all speeds and very quiet.
Weakness:
Cup holders. A real joke. Two are broken already. But, thats it folks. My 1992 525i was totaled in a car accident. Wasn't wure I would get another BMW but than I found this car on the internet at a dealer and when I took it for a test drive, I just knew I had to have it. Rides like a dream and handles like nothing I've ever driven. Love the instrument cluster and how it looks at night, cool! Car is White with tan leather interior. The interior looks great and I love the 15" wheels on this car. I am disapointed with the Michelins and am replacing them with a set of BF Goodrich Turanza LS-H tires. Overall, a very impressive car. Similar Products Used: 1992 BMW 525i and 1985 325e (euro). |
[Aug 16, 2003]
GARY
Model Reviewed:
530IA
Strength:
handling, looks, interior design
Weakness:
acceleration is good but could use a bit more push to surpass the current 7 sec Amazingly wonderful car! The engine is silky smooth and looks are truely classic. Most simplistically elegant interior I've seen in any car. |
[Jul 28, 2003]
Robert
Model Reviewed:
BMW 525i
Strength:
Comfort, Looks, Dependablity, Good gas milage, with DSC traction control excellent in the snow, quiet smooth ride.
Weakness:
Cup holders Extremely reliable, It nice to buy a car where everything works. I've own the 525 for 2 years and had a problem with a minor noise in the dash. The dealership test drove the car and found the noise and remendy it by replacing the whole dash. I received the car back clean and quiet and everything working as it should. They went the extra mile without any argument. I don't know if it is the dealership or BMW, But you could not asked for a better automobile. I have just purchase a BMW Z4 and NO Problems. Similar Products Used: Audi 2.7T |
[Jul 22, 2003]
Prof Glenn Druhot
Model Reviewed:
525i
Strength:
Stability, and handling.
Weakness:
Naturally the pseudo drink holders. I ordered mine with the sport package and I feel much of the road due to the low profile tires, I'm still getting use to that. I have owned several Mercedes for the past 12 years and I must say that I am quite pleased with my recent purchase of this 5 series. Very solid ride and feel. Similar Products Used: Mercedes Benz. |
[Apr 24, 2003]
Mike
Model Reviewed:
530i
Strength:
See above
Weakness:
The cupholders are a joke but I installed a "real" cupholder from TEC Industries and that works well. What a wonderful car! I took a long time looking for a replacement for my VW Passat and test drove a lot of cars. 5 mins behind the wheel of the 530 and I was hooked. The car felt as if it had been built around me and seemed to know ahead of time what I wanted it to do. Finally understood all of the rave reviews I'd read in auto magazines. Assembly inside and out is impeccable, the design is elegant and understated, the engine is a jewel and the car has the best balance of ride and handling available. As one auto magazine said "the 5 series is the Tiger Woods of sports sedans". Similar Products Used: Test drove Audi A6 (quite nice), MB C & E class, Lexus GS300, a couple of forgetable Acuras and a couple of Volvos. Previous cars Passat, Taurus SHO, Z28 |